EDITORIAL: Crockett Street, downtown have some attractions, need more

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, July 7, 2013

Even an optimist would have to conclude that the glass is not just half-empty but completely drained at the Star Bar in downtown Beaumont. It was one of the original bars in the Crockett Street Entertainment District, but last week its closing was quietly announced on Facebook.

That's unfortunate, but the life span of a bar or restaurant is usually not long. Many of them close within a few years, and the Star Bar lasted 11. The Crockett Street District still has several options for visitors, including the Dixie Dancehall, one of the original bars

The bigger picture for downtown Beaumont is brighter, but the city and its residents need to maintain their commitment to this historic area.

Just last week the city's annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show drew big crowds again, with many enjoying three live bands at Riverfront Park or the Symphony of Southeast Texas at the Julie Rogers Theater.

The area got a big boost with the opening of the long delayed but widely praised Event Centre. The Lunch at the Lake event there each Monday is the kind of thing the downtown can use to attract more people.

The food trucks that now dot the downtown have also brought a new vibe there, especially for younger people who previously felt left out.

What the downtown really needs is more businesses, and local entrepreneurs could really help here. City officials should make sure they always remain open to anyone thinking about a move like that.

The potential is there, but this is one of those challenges that will be won or lost one small business at a time.